To the Editor:
Re “Thousands of Toddlers Are Medicated for A.D.H.D., Report Finds, Raising Worries” (news article, May 17):
The question is posed as to why a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder occurs disproportionately in Medicaid patients.
To me, a practicing pediatrician, the answer is obvious. There is a severe lack of mental health services available to these families.
For the few overworked pediatric psychiatrists who do accept Medicaid, it is easier to prescribe medication than spend the time necessary to teach behavior modification techniques.
KENNETH J. DAVIS
Elizabeth, N.J., May 17, 2014